Actress Martina Sykes, daughter of a preacher and a native Floridian, has returned home after pursuing her dream of becoming a star!

Words of wisdom and lessons learned along the way have helped her to remain focused as she’s navigated Broadway. Sykes is no stranger to the stage. This talented singer/actress has been blessed to grace many stages across the country. Most notably in the Tony award- winning musical Hairspray, and critically acclaimed productions of Little Shop of Horrors and the classic Broadway hit, Rent. Most recently, Sykes has taken on multiple roles in the Hit Broadway Smash – Motown – The Musical. Among the many characters she plays, the parts of Mary Wells (the legendary singer and trailblazer) and Gwen Gordy (sister of Berry Gordy, Jr. – founder of Mo-town) are included.

Motown – The Musical debuted in Chicago, and is currently touring the United States. The Miami premiere of the musical is coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County now through Feb. 7, 2016. Sykes affirms, “This musical is not to be missed, if you’re a fan of Motown.” She encourages the audience to clap and sing, scream and shout, and simply engage fully in the production, and have fun!

Over 40 classic Motown hits will be featured throughout the show including, “My Girl and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Patrons can expect to learn about how Motown transformed the music world and influenced pop culture in America, and throughout the world! Story-lines illustrating day to day operations at Motown and why the company relocated to Los Angeles, will be realized throughout. With performances honoring the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson, it promises to be spectacular show!

Like many of her contemporaries, Sykes discovered her love for the arts at the young age. She was only five years old when she began singing and acting in plays at her father’s church. As a teenager, Sykes developed a greater passion for theater while studying at The Pinellas Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Fla. She recalls, however, that she didn’t always receive the encouragement she needed to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She persevered, nevertheless. After completing her studies at the University of Florida, she received a timely push from a familiar source. Sykes’ brother, who’s also a Broadway artist, encouraged her to take the leap of faith. It was his prompting that influenced her move, and to take a bite out of The Big Apple.

Sykes attributes much of her success and the woman she has become today to her faith in God, and the support of family and friends. She notes, “God wants to see our given gifts manifested in his children, but going after it is also very important”. She adds, “When pursuing your dream, no one or nothing can stop your destiny”. Sykes stresses the importance of having fun amid your dedication to hard work. Adding, “If you’re not having fun, maybe it’s a sign that you should be doing something else”. When asked what advice she would offer to those in pursuit, she states, “don’t discard information that you think isn’t important. Pay attention to it all, because it may be an important piece in helping someone else to push through, even when it doesn’t seem relevant to you”. There-fore, it is reasonable to profess that sometimes, even our own journey is not exclusively ours. If it be of the creator, then it is to be shared so that it can be a manifestation to others.

Sykes is excited about bringing her talents to South Beach. She looks forward to seeing family and friends, and performing in front of the home crowd in Miami. Motown – The Musical promises to be a treat for all who attend to enjoy. South Florida, let’s support our native daughter and the entire cast of this magnificent and historical production! Tickets may be purchased at the Arsht Center Box Office located at, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Fla., 33132. You may also call (305) 949-6722, or order online at www.arshtcenter.org.